New Study to Explore Link Between Problem Gambling and Family Violence

Problem Gambling and Family Harm – An exploratory study
You are invited to take part in a research project. Before you decide we would like you to understand why the research is being done and what it would involve for you. Please read this information sheet carefully to decide whether you wish to take part in the study. If you have any questions or concerns you can contact the researcher using the details provided below.

Background
This research project will be undertaken by a doctoral researcher (a PhD student) from the department of Law and Criminology at Sheffield Hallam University. The research project aims to investigate whether there is a relationship between problem gambling and potential harm caused to the family. The project will be looking at the different types of harm caused as well as examining additional factors such as mental and physical health, general quality of life and substance use.

By agreeing to be part of this project, you could make a difference to future generations by helping to increase our understanding of gambling related harm. In turn, the information you provide could potentially help prevent and/ or minimise gambling related harm to others.

Study aims
The project will explore the extent and nature of the relationship between problem gambling and family harm by speaking to problem gamblers and family members of problem gamblers.

What does being involved mean?
Participation in the research project is entirely voluntary.
By taking part in this study you will be required to answer approximately 40 survey questions asking you about your health and wellbeing. If you feel uncomfortable or do not want to answer any of the questions please move on the next question you feel able to answer.
The survey will take approximately 20 minutes to complete and the whole project will last for a period of around 24 months. This is a one-time survey therefore you will not be contacted again complete it.
You can only withdraw from the study if you choose to leave contact details, leaving your contact details is completely voluntary. You have 7 days after completion to request that your contribution is withdrawn. Please contact the researcher on the email address below in order to do this. If you request to withdraw, the researcher will follow your wishes. If you do withdraw, this will have no negative consequences. If you choose not to leave contact details you cannot withdraw from this study as the survey will remain completely anonymous and therefore we are unable to identify your contribution to the project. If you have any questions about the study you can email/ phone the researcher on the contact details below.

What will be done with the information I give?
The information that you provide will contribute to the researcher’s doctoral research project and may be used in written papers and presentations. The funder GambleAware may also wish to distribute any findings through their research network and they may use the results of the research to improve services and treatment. Your contribution may help identify need for further study.
Any information you give will remain strictly confidential. All identifiable information (e.g. names, location and family make-up) will be changed: this means that what you say is anonymised.
The research project adheres to strict ethical and confidentiality guidelines as per the Data Protection Act (1998) and the ethical procedures set out by Sheffield Hallam University. All data will be stored on a secure computer.

Further information
Should you require any further information about the research project you can contact the researcher using the below information:

Lucy Pointon
Email: [email protected]

If you require any further clarification or if you wish to make a complaint, the researcher’s supervision team can be contacted using either of the below details:

David Best: [email protected]
James Banks: [email protected]

How to participate

You can access the survey at https://shusls.eu.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_9QUUnnHpF86DjXD